KGI:AppleAirPodsShipmentsShouldDoubleinNewYear

Apple AirPods shipments should improve dramatically in 2018 now that supply constraints for the accessory have largely been resolved. In fact, shipments could double for the audio device could nearly double next year, according to KGI (via 9to5Mac).

According to KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple AirPods shipments in 2018 could be in the range of 26 to 28 million units. The analyst says Apple has improved AirPods delivery times by adding an additional assembler, Luxshare, into the supply chain. Until recently, Inventec was the sole manufacturer for AirPods.

KGI calls the $159 audio accessory, which launched in December 2016, “Apple’s most important accessory product.”

New Apple AirPods orders in the United States now ship within one to three days, depending on the location. In 2018, Apple plans on introducing a new AirPods case that supports inductive charging. The case will work with the company’s upcoming AirPower mat.